Chasing Dreams

Hey y'all! I'm back in sweet ol' Arkansas, the state I spent the last two and a half years in.

 I've just been so busy packing and going through boxes of stuff to decide what to leave behind and what to take with me. I don't think I've blogged about it yet... but I graduated on Dec. 15 :)

Yup, just a month ago. I was going to blog about it and post some graduation photos here but the moment I graduated, I had to go back to my apartment and pack because I was moving out that night. And then 7 hours later, I went to Cracker Barrel with my family and friends for a simple graduation dinner.

The next day, my family and I flew off to Los Angeles to begin our family vacation and I'd been away from Arkansas until last weekend. So right now I'm pretty much just a fresh graduate without a job tucked under her belt.

And that gets us to the real reason I'm packing again.

I'm moving to another state to scout for jobs. Don't get me wrong - I like Arkansas very much. Even though it's not a big city like Chicago or New York, Arkansas has its own charm. Throughout the years, I've learned to appreciate the natural state for the way it is. I have so many memories vested in this state. My campus is the one place I'll miss the most. I'll miss the Southern hospitality. I'll miss all the wonderful people who have made my stay in Arkansas so memorable.

But I've always wanted to pursue a career in a big city. Most people hate congested streets and the sound of traffic. I actually find life in that. I don't think it's weird because I grew up in a busy city. So being surrounded by tall buildings and weaving through throngs of people don't turn me off - they only fuels my enthusiasm.

I'm moving to New York in 8 days.

I was there this past summer and I fell in love with the city. I vowed to return. New York would be a good place for journalism and writing graduates.

But of course, there are downsides to this move.

First of all, it's very costly to live there. Rent is expensive, food is expensive and everything else is expensive. I have some money in my savings that should last me for a few months in that city, but I'm just limiting myself to 2 or 3 months in New York. If I can't find a job by the end of February, I might have to move to a different state, probably somewhere less pricey. But if I do find a job, I'll stay on.

Secondly, I'm really nervous about this. My anxiety is currently overshadowing my excitement. I just graduated and I still miss the student life very much. But now I have to face this big world by myself.  I wish I knew how all of this was going to work out. Except I don't. I'm just taking chances.

I believe in chasing dreams. Sometimes, I put myself in situations like that because of my lust for adventure. I constantly challenge myself out of my comfort zone to explore a new world, because that encourages growth and further independence. And if this doesn't work out, that's okay. I'll come up with a Plan B.

You may think I'm crazy. Haha. Heck, I think so too. But I need this. I need to try.

I'm so glad my parents are supportive of my dream to work and live in New York. They think it's risky, but they're willing to let me give it a go. And for that, I'm really thankful. I love my family!

My future is still blurred with uncertainties. I don't have everything figured out. I go where I want to go while I still can, hoping my dreams will get me places.

If they don't, at least I can say I've followed them. :)

There's no way to find out if something works for you until you follow that voice in your heart and let it lead you to where you're meant to go. Because even if you don't end up where you initially wanted to, you'll end up where you're meant to be.